What are Mudras : The science of mudras is a
part of yoga based on fundamental principles of life namely…the 5 elements in
the universe. Akash (space), Vayu (air), agni (fire), jal / varun (water) and
pritvi (earth).
The
science behind is as the above five elements is a part of the universe, it is
also a part of human body. Our human
body is supposed to be a miniature universe by itself. If you look closely… our planet, mother earth
is covered 75% of water so is our body it is 75% water. We have a sun and moon nadi within us which
is called the yin and yan in chinese or ida or pingala nadi. So, in short we are a miniature version of
universe within ourselves.
The thumb – Agni (fire)
The Index finger – vayu
(wind)
The middle finger – akash
(space)
The ring finger – pritvi
(earth)
The little finger – varun
(water)
Any
one of these element gets disturbed in the universe we face natural calamity in
the form of flood, earthquake, hurricane, tsunami….etc to name a few. The same way in our body, if there is some
disturbance in these elements, it gives rise to disturbance mentally
physically….and in our general well being.
Now,
the question what is Mudra and how is it performed….
Mudras
the mainly performed as gestures by fingers and hand positions. Some are performed with the combination with
Asanas.
The effect of Mudra is due
to the electromagnetic waves produced by our body….
Electomagnetic waves and
human body……something wrong!!!!!
It is true, actually all
objects including human body emit electromagnetic radiation…this is in a small
amount…but we do emit. We possess energies but irony is we are not aware!!!!!
What is electromagnetic
radiation: It is a term used to describe
all the different kinds of energies
released into space by stars such as sun.
(Eg: Radio – waves , radar –waves, x rays, light
waves which makes us things visible for us)
When
we perform Mudra the energy that is been emitted out of our finger is arrested
and redirected to certain part of the brain centers from where with proper breathing directs to it to the parts of
the body as Mudra….Shortly, it is the vibration felt during performing mudra
and that effects the body. This
vibration proves the presence of electromagnetic waves flowing in our body..
There
are many mudras which are therapeutic and practiced for different
disorders. There are few mudras prescribed which can be performed
everyday for general well being of our mind and body. Those are Jnana Mudra,
Pritvi Mudra, Apana Mudra, Prana Mudra,
Jnana
Mudra :
Formation
: it is formed by joining tips of the
index finger and the thumb.
Benefits
: This mudra stabilizes the mind . In
the tip of our thumb lies the point of
pituitary glands. A very important gland
it controls the growth of our body.
Formation
: Join the tip of the ring finger with the tip of the thumb
Benefits
: Helps recover chronic fatigue due to
illness or general day to day fatigue
Apana
Mudra:
Formation
: by joining the thumb, middle finger
and the ring finger.
Benefits
: This helps manage diabetes. It has to
be done for a longer time if one is looking out for managing sugar ( it has to
be done 50 min and followed by 10 min of pran mudra). It helps manage migraine
again it has to be done for a longer duration.
On day to day basis it helps in general health.
Pran
Mudra :
Formation
: Joining the tips of thumb, ring finger
and the little finger.
Benefits
: The major part of our body is water
(varun- little finger). This mudra helps the flow of vital energy in our
body. This provides us with mental and
physical strength.
The
above mentioned mudras can be practiced on a daily basis. It can be practiced anytime of the day while
travelling as well.
There
are many therapeutic mudras which has not been addressed as it is vast
subject. I have tried to cover how mudra
works and few mudras which can be performed on a daily basis. Start with a single mudra say Jnan mudra and
stay for 15 min, and observe your body within.
You may not be aware of the vibrations as it is very subtle, but during
a course of time you will start feeling it.
Give yourself some time….
PATIENCE
PAYS A LOT!!!!!!
Soumyas